JEM Workshop Inc. (Atelier Jem Inc.)

JEM Workshop Inc., also known as Atelier Jem Inc., is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with diverse abilities by providing meaningful employment, training, and professional support. Established originally as a sheltered workshop in 1950, the organization has evolved into an inclusive employment ecosystem that actively supports adults living with intellectual, emotional, physical disabilities, and mental health challenges. JEM Workshop operates as a certified adapted enterprise, delivering high-quality packaging and fulfillment services to socially conscious companies throughout Québec and Canada.

History

The roots of JEM Workshop trace back to the Jewish Vocational Service (JVS), founded in 1945 to offer vocational guidance and job placement services to young adults, particularly returning veterans and displaced persons after World War II. In 1950, under Executive Director Dr. Alfred Feintuch, a sheltered workshop was created to provide employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers due to age, physical, or emotional disabilities. Beginning with 10 employees in a small basement space, the Workshop expanded through the 1950s and 1960s, moving to larger facilities and pioneering vocational rehabilitation programs that successfully integrated many graduates into competitive industries.

Mission and Vision

JEM Workshop's mission is to empower and enable adults with different abilities to lead meaningful and productive lives by providing a continuum of training and employment options throughout their lifecycle. The organization's vision is to cultivate a dynamic disability employment ecosystem where everyone, regardless of age or ability, is trained and supported to achieve meaningful integration into the workforce.

Services

JEM Workshop specializes in packaging and fulfillment services, serving startups and established businesses across diverse sectors including construction supplies, food products, medical and pharmaceutical supplies, chemical products, promotional items, garments, cosmetics, housewares, and recreational items. The organization emphasizes quality and social responsibility, ensuring competitive pricing while fostering an inclusive work environment.

Services offered include:

• Display assembly
• Labelling
• Heat sealing
• Ink jet printing

More than 70 percent of JEM's workforce consists of individuals living with functional limitations. The organization continually innovates to keep its team engaged, productive, and motivated, embodying core values of respect, inclusion, diversity, collaboration, excellence, and innovation.

Impact and Community Role

JEM Workshop provides a supportive workplace where employees can achieve their employment potential and personal growth. With over 100 dedicated staff and hourly employees, the Workshop is recognized for its commitment to accessibility and meaningful employment for people with disabilities. Its longstanding history and community collaborations underline its role as a vital social enterprise contributing to workforce diversity and inclusion.

This nonprofit organization is registered under the Canadian business registration number 118847680RR0001.